For the very last time, the gang sat around their usual table at the very back of the cafeteria with their lunch. It was sad that they were all going their separate ways, after sticking college out together, but they all knew it was time to move on. With or without each other.
'I'm going to miss you guys so much,' Maddy sighed, poking at her sandwich, apatite vanishing – along with her usual good mood.
Rhydian was the first to respond, draping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her to his chest, smiling sadly. They'd been going out for a few years, and given she was going to Linconshire and he was going to York, also knowing long-distance relationships didn't tend to work out, they'd decided to break up.
Shannon had been offered a chemistry scholarship in Yale, and after a long time considering it and being pestered by Maddy that she'd be an idiot not to take it, she'd finally accepted it. 'Maddy,' she said, 'it's okay. It would have happened sooner or later.'
'I know, I just wish we could be together a little longer,' Tom said, mouth full. He had relatives in Australia, and after a long debate with his parents, he'd decided to travel over t here and study. 'I've always pictured us being together forever. Me and Shan sitting in the front row at Maddy and Rhydian's wedding…'
Maddy and Rhydian flinched in sync, hearts aching.
'That was the cheesiest thing you've ever said,' Shannon snorted, smiling nonetheless.
'And the sweetest,' Maddy interjected, still leaning against Rhydian.
They all sat like that for a while, before heading off to the last period of the day. Was that the last time they saw each other?
Well, not exactly…